The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan was revealed back in July 2018 and is expected to launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2019. But we’ve already managed to unearth local pricing for the new four-door saloon.

At launch in South Africa, the A-Class Sedan will be offered in two flavours: A200 and A250 Sport.

The A200 (as is the case with the hatchback) employs a turbocharged 1,3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine directing 120 kW and 250 N.m to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This base derivative will be priced at R533 400 (a R34 400 premium over the hatch).

The A250 Sport, meanwhile, uses a turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit (again, shared with the hatchback) to churn out 165 kW and 350 N.m, also sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This variant starts at R604 800, some R11 500 more than the equivalent hatch.

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.